Philadelphia center Joel Embiid made his mark on the Sixers' season-opening 106-100 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night, blocking three shots, including a fourth-quarter rejection of Andre Drummond's dunk attempt. After the block, Embiid wagged his index finger and shook his head, a gesture that signaled he intends to be in elite defensive form this season.
Embiid, who has made the All-Defensive second team three times, most recently in 2021, said he expects to return to that level. "I think this year's going to be back to All-Defensive team like in the past," he said. "Felt like I was all over the place, so I need to do that every game." He finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and three blocks.
Embiid's health has long shaped Philadelphia's title hopes, and injuries have repeatedly undermined them. Last season he played just 38 games, dealing with right hip complications, left knee management and appendicitis. He was also not fully healthy during the Sixers' second-round playoff loss to the Knicks. This time, he showed the bounce and agility that had been missing, and he said he is as confident as ever about his health.
His preseason was uneven, with eight turnovers and six points against the Brooklyn Nets, followed by 27 points and eight rebounds against the Celtics. Coach Nick Nurse was pleased with Tuesday's performance. "I thought Joel was magnificent tonight in making the right play," Nurse said. "He just kept making the right play depending on what was there, and that's really all we're asking him to do: hit the open man and read the defense."
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing